KUALA LUMPUR: The choice of candidates will be crucial as the three main political coalitions head towards a multi-cornered fight in the 15th General Election.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the voters would certainly take into account the candidates.
The former finance minister II conceded that the votes, especially among Malay voters, could be split among Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional in certain seats.
Johari, who was Titiwangsa MP from 2013 to 2018, said the performance records of the candidates were important.
Meeting of minds: Johari (fourth from left) with (second from left) Star Media Group (SMG) chief content officer Esther Ng and SMG adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai as well as other senior journalists at the Concorde Club meeting. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
He is expected to be named Barisan’s candidate for Titiwangsa.
Johari took to task the incumbent Titiwangsa MP and Women, Family and Community Development Minister for reportedly switching to another constituency.
Wanita Perikatan chief and Bersatu Srikandi chief Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun is said to be moving to the Sepang parliamentary seat.
Johari also said Bersatu Youth chief and Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was slated for Titiwangsa, was now reported to be eyeing another constituency.
“If the speculation is true, then we have a Bersatu minister and deputy minister not wanting to contest in Titiwangsa,” he said at the Concorde Club meeting yesterday.
The Concorde Club is an informal group of senior journalists who meet with politicians and key policymakers.